The screening, which includes an EKG, total cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and blood oxygen levels, is sponsored by King’s Daughters in cooperation with the Kentucky Heart Foundation. Appointments are required and may be made by calling 1-888-377-KDMC (5362). Fasting is not required.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for more than 34 percent of all deaths annually. Every 38 seconds, an American dies of cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association.

Early detection is key to reducing the impact of heart disease, Tracy Woods, King’s Daughters Community Relations, said. “When it comes to heart disease, knowledge is power.”

An EKG is a test that checks for problems with the electrical activity of your heart. It also is used to check the health of the heart, especially when conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes are present.

To be eligible, participants must be at least 50 years of age and not have participated in a KDMC heart/vascular screening in the past 12 months. Additional screening criteria may apply, which allow us to see those at greatest risk for heart disease.